However, he didn’t allow this to stop him. Though he was no longer able to work outside the home, he took on the full role of stay at home Dad, caregiver to his children, housekeeper, and was selfless in his support of his wife as she continued her education to fill in the gap.  He was strong in his faith. He accompanied his family to church on Sundays, and made sure the children were participating church activities, as well as extra-curricular school and community activities.  He also understood the importance of education, so he returned to college and completed his Bachelor’s degree. He was a faithful volunteer in Richland School District TWO throughout his children school years and assisted with many school activities, field trips and field studies. He was consistent in these roles, even while his physical health and mobility was declining.

In 2003, he was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation, a condition that required him to have decompression brain surgery to prevent him from becoming totally paralyzed from the neck down.  This condition caused even greater damage to his back and spine. He started receiving his healthcare through the VA Medical Center while also pursuing his VA disability benefits. He was diagnosed with a Spinal Cord Injury and started receiving services at the Spinal Cord Injury Unit at the Augusta, GA VA. He was eventually approved for VA disability benefits and was determined by the VA to be a permanently and totally disabled and unemployable. He was finally able to get the care and treatment he needed and was awarded the benefits that he earned prior to his death on October 21, 2021.

Leroy S. McCoy, Sr.  life was dedicated to helping his family and others. He willingly served his country and completed his tour of duty with honor and class. He had a passion for learning and helping others, especially families, children, the elderly, and anyone who was in need.  This foundation, the Leroy S. McCoy, Sr. HOPE Foundation, is being created in his name to honor him, his commitment to family, education, his country, and to continue the legacy he left us. Our desire is to use him as an example to impact the community in a positive way and to give honor and thanks to God for giving him to us. Most of all, we want to allow God to use this foundation to do his will!